Former high school wrestler Tanner McLaughlin passed away unexpectedly at 27. McLaughlin was a wrestler at Delaware Valley High School and is survived by his parents, Wendy and Sean McLaughlin, and two kids.
McLaughlin’s loved ones have organized a GoFundMe for the former wrestler’s family.
As written by several of his friends, Tanner was a joyous individual with a positive attitude and a bright smile.
The GoFundMe page has so far reached $14.8k in donations, with the targeted donation being $20k.
At Delaware High School, Tanner McLaughlin competed in various weight classes, including 170 and 145 pounds.
In the 2014 season, McLaughlin competed against Brian Lapham in the 145-pound category but faced a loss.
It was his first match of the season, and his next game was only a few days later in the 152-pound category.
McLaughlin seems to have been active in wrestling competitions until the 2016 season, i.e., senior year of high school.
Life After High School For Former Wrestler Tanner McLaughlin
Though McLaughlin seemed to have chosen not to become a professional wrestler, he remained connected to the sport.
His GoFundMe page stated that he remained a supportive teammate and mentor to many young wrestlers.
Tanner was stated as a key member of the Group 2 State Wrestling Championship team.
The GoFundMe page also stated that McLaughlin’s selflessness and commitment to the team always came first.
McLaughlin wasn’t active on social media and previously had a Facebook page when he was a teenager.
His X (formerly Twitter) page shows that Tanner was an NFL and MLB fan. He seemed to be a fan of the AFC North Division side Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former wrestler’s parents, Wendy and Sean McLaughlin, aren’t available on social media and haven’t shared posts related to their son.
McLaughlin wasn’t the only child of his parents. He was one of the four kids of Wendy and Sean.
He had two brothers, Kirk and Austin, and a sister named Megan. His older brother, Austin, also seems to have been a wrestler during his time at Delaware Valley High School.
Austin competed in the 132 and 138 pounds but lost all four matches.
His sister, Megan McLaughlin, was part of the girls’ basketball team in high school. Tanner’s siblings remain away from social media.
Tanner seemed to have been married but his spouse’s name hasn’t been mentioned. He has two kids, Brantley, 5, and Arabella, 2.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During his senior year in high school, Tanner won four of his nine matches in the 145-pound category.
- Tanner played most of his games in the 152-pound category. He played 13 games and reached the semifinal round in the NJSIAA Districts, District 19 tournament. Tanner lost in the semifinal round and also went on to lose the third-place position.
